Sudfeld continues the preseason’s biggest surprise story

FOXBORO — How is this for a dramatic example of the way Zach Sudfeld’s football career has changed?In his first two preseason games with the Patriots, the big tight end has caught more passes than he...

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By
PAUL KENYON
Posted Aug. 18, 2013 @ 5:55 pm

FOXBORO — How is this for a dramatic example of the way Zach Sudfeld’s football career has changed?

In his first two preseason games with the Patriots, the big tight end has caught more passes than he did in his first five years at the University of Nevada. It seems hard to believe, but it accurately illustrates how slowly Sudfeld’s college career developed and how rapidly his pro career is moving forward.

Sudfeld did not hide his excitement after the victory over Tampa Bay on Friday night. His work included one of the game’s more spectacular plays, hauling in a 22-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Mallett after the ball was batted out of his hands by a Bucs defender. He also caught a two-point conversion pass from Tom Brady.

“It was just a great experience to be out there and to be able to compete as part of this organization. The whole experience was great and the touchdown was obviously very cool,” Sudfeld said. It took him some time to get back up after the touchdown.

“I was just trying to enjoy the moment. It was good and I am perfectly fine,” he explained. “I just basked in it for a second.”

It is a heady experience for a guy who was not even the most successful player in his family for most of his college career. That honor belonged to his twin brother, Matt, who was a wide receiver at Brown.

Matt Sudfeld had 47 receptions and four touchdowns over his last two years at Brown. Matt is 6-feet tall, seven inches shorter than his twin, and about 70 pounds lighter.

“People say he got the looks and brains, and I got the size,” is the way Zach Sudfeld likes to talk about his twin brother.

Zach, who also wanted to go to Brown but did not get accepted, needed time to grow into his body and then had major injury issues. He caught a grand total of two passes in his first five years at Nevada. He was granted a rare sixth year by the NCAA, in part because he not only had received a degree in business but because he also was well on his way toward earning a master’s degree. He took advantage of year six with 45 receptions and four touchdowns.

Still, with such a slim college background, it was not a surprise that he was not drafted. Some scouts, in fact, questioned why he wanted to play football when he already had his master’s by draft time.

“I completed my master’s degree while I was at Nevada, so a lot of the scouts would be like, ‘Why do you want to play football?’” he recalled. “To me that’s an insane question. I play football because I’m a football player.

“It’s kind of a dream come true. I’m so excited to be here. It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “For so long they’ve been one of the top-tier teams and organizations in the league, so I feel so fortunate to be here.”

When he arrived with the Patriots, he was just one of two dozen undrafted free agents hoping to find a job. With a chance to play more because of the turmoil at the team’s tight end position, Sudfeld took advantage. He has been impossible to miss through OTAs and training camp. He has played well throughout.

“Zach’s worked hard to learn our offense,” coach Bill Belichick said. “It’s a little different than what they did at Nevada. He’s a smart kid and he’s got some skill. He’s been very diligent in his preparation. He’s been out there almost every day, out there practicing. Coach [George] Godsey [the Patriots’ tight end coach] has done a good job with him.

“He’s had to learn how to be an on-the-line tight end. He’s making progress but he’s got a long way to go,” Belichick added. “He’s made a lot of gains. He’s a hardworking kid. He’s smart and tough. He’s got a couple things going for him.”

Sudfeld is making the situation complicated at his position. The good news is that, because he showed he can help, there is less pressure on the Pats to rush Rob Gronkowski back. Gronkowski looks fine as he watches his teammates practice. But he still has not played and there is every indication he will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Jake Ballard looks to be the starter at this point, even though he does not appear to be quite the same player he was with the Giants before he tore his ACL. Veterans Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui have both proven to be capable complementary players, but they do not seem to have the big upside Sudfeld possesses.

It seems hard to imagine that the leading offense in the NFL would want to rely on an undrafted free agent, but Sudfeld is forcing his way into the picture.

“It’s been such a great experience,” he said. “I’m a rookie and have a long way to go and a lot to learn and a lot to improve on, but so far it has been a great experience.”